Joshaghan rugs: the lattice design of a central Iranian town

Location

Joshaghan (Jowshaqan) is a town in Isfahan province, north of Isfahan. Its weavers have long used one distinctive design family.

The design

The Joshaghan pattern is a lattice of diamond-shaped compartments, each filled with small stylised flowers, sometimes around a central diamond medallion. The design has been copied elsewhere.

Construction

Most pieces have cotton foundations and asymmetric knots, with fairly dense weaving and a medium pile.

Historical context

Diamond-lattice carpets associated with Joshaghan are documented from at least the eighteenth century. Exact dates and attributions for older pieces need expert advice.

Buying checklist

• Ask the seller what the regional name is based on: town, village group or design only
• Turn the rug over and look at knot type, warp colour and weft count
• Check ends, sides and pile height for wear or re-weaving
• Ask whether dyes have run or been chemically washed
• Get any claim about age, region or handmade origin in writing

Care

Small repeats hide wear well, so check carefully for low pile. Rotate the rug regularly.

A note on this guide

This is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. Regional names in the rug trade are market labels, and design alone is weak evidence of origin. This guide is not a valuation or authentication.